We are very excited to stage an exhibition that reflects upon the heart of Wales’ geology, has played a key part in Wales industrial heritage, and which reflects upon the relatively recent history of Machynlleth. In this exhibition we will be looking at and celebrating the quarrying and mining of slate in North Wales, in particular that which took place at nearby Corris and Aberllefenni. All production and exporting of slate from these sites would have passed through Machynlleth, initially to the Derwenlas and Aberdyfi and then later to the Cambrian Railway; exports that became so vital to the fortunes of the town in the 19th Century.

To highlight this history, the uses of and the beauty of carved slate, we are delighted to display the works of Ceredigion-based sculptor Jon Evans, a slate carver who works with the high-grade slate still found at Aberllefenni (see below).

We dedicate this exhibition to John S Mason 1962-2024 whose contribution to this exhibition was sadly curtailed by his sudden death.